A tragic incident unfolded on the slopes of Mount Merapi in West Sumatra as the volcano erupted, claiming the lives of 11 climbers and leaving several others missing, according to a report by The Guardian.
Indonesian rescuers, faced with challenging conditions, are conducting search and rescue operations to locate the missing climbers and ensure the safety of those stranded on the mountain.
Reports regarding the number of missing climbers vary, with one official stating that at least 12 climbers are still unaccounted for, while another official suggests the number may be as high as 22. The discrepancy underscores the complexity of the ongoing rescue operation and the need for accurate information to guide the efforts.
Erupsi gunung merapi di daerah agam dan Bukittinggi sumatera barat, ini beberapa dokumentasi pendaki yang sedang dilokasi dekat erupsi.#marapi #sumbar pic.twitter.com/VNxQqTZDXf
— Nisa (@markhamahlaela3) December 3, 2023
Eruption Details
The eruption occurred on Sunday, with white and grey ash plumes billowing into the sky. The aftermath left climbers stranded, injured, and covered in volcanic ash.
Rescue efforts were further complicated by a small eruption on Monday, prompting a temporary halt due to safety concerns. A total of 49 climbers were evacuated on Monday, with many undergoing treatment for burns.
Kami kira gempa, ternyata Gunung Marapi erupsi 🙁 pic.twitter.com/an0DjByfNg
— 🍉 (@robbyjulianda) December 3, 2023
Search and Rescue Challenges
The search and rescue team faced challenges due to the hazardous conditions created by the volcanic activity. The volatile situation prompted a temporary suspension of the search, emphasizing the dangers rescuers are grappling with in their efforts to locate the missing climbers.
Forty-nine climbers were successfully evacuated, but not without consequences. Many suffered burns, with eight individuals transported to hospitals for medical attention. A video circulating on social media captured the dramatic evacuation, depicting climbers covered in volcanic dust and rain as they were brought down from the mountain.
Impact on Surrounding Areas
The eruption sent ash plumes soaring over 3,000 meters into the air, blanketing nearby villages and blocking sunlight. The National Disaster Management Agency distributed masks and urged residents to wear eyeglasses to protect themselves from the volcanic ash. The aftermath of the eruption paints a picture of disrupted lives and communities affected by the natural disaster.
Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s more than 120 active volcanoes, has been on authorities’ radar following increased activity in recent weeks. Despite maintaining the volcano’s alert level at the third-highest, the eruption caught climbers by surprise. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is prone to seismic activities, making volcanic eruptions and earthquakes a recurrent threat.